FIDE World Cup 2025 in India: PM Narendra Modi says 'Chess is gaining popularity among our youth'

NEW DELHI: Goa will host the FIDE World Cup from October 30 to November 27, offering three coveted spots for next year’s Candidates Tournament and a prize pool of USD 2 million. The 206-player field features reigning world champion D Gukesh, Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and R Praggnanandhaa. Since Gukesh is already world champion, he is not part of the Candidates qualification race, and his participation will likely be limited to prize money and rating points.India will have a strong presence with 21 players on the entry list, including five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, who qualified via the June 2025 FIDE rating list. However, given his absence from classical chess in recent years, his participation is uncertain.The World Cup returns to India after 23 years, last held in Hyderabad in 2002, where Anand lifted the trophy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed its return, saying: “India is delighted to be hosting the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025 and that too after over two decades. Chess is gaining popularity among our youth. I am sure this tournament will witness thrilling matches and showcase the brilliance of top players from around the world.”Indian chess has grown significantly since then, with the hosts now fielding a much stronger base, led by the likes of Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin.The tournament will follow a two-game knockout format over eight rounds. Each round will have two classical games, with rapid and blitz playoffs in case of a tie. The top-50 seeds will receive byes into the second round, while players ranked 51 to 206 will contest the opening round on the basis of top-half versus bottom-half pairings.“Every round is win-or-go-home, making the World Cup one of the most dramatic tournaments on the calendar,” FIDE said in a statement.FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich added: “India has become one of the strongest chess nations, with outstanding players and passionate fans. After the success of the FIDE Women’s World Cup held in Georgia earlier this year, we are proud to bring the FIDE World Cup to Goa. It will be a celebration of chess, and a unique experience for players and spectators from around the world. Representatives from over 90 countries are expected to participate, making it one of the most followed events in chess history.”AICF president Nitin Narang said: “The World Cup will not only inspire millions across the country but also showcase India’s growing stature as a global hub for chess.”